Hey guys, wondering if any of you have replaced the seals in your steering gear box before. Did any leaking remain after replacement?

I've found a couple of threads on the forum and it sounds like a bit of a job... NPD has a rebuilt gearbox for ~130 so I'm wondering if it would be better just to replace.

I have developed a leak in the last week or so where the steering shaft bolts onto the gear box... It's bad enough that I am getting annoyed by it. The truck is a '74 F-100 2wd.

 

Not much help here. I'm debating putting in a new steering box myself. I've got neglected front end issues that keep piling up. Thought about the red head. It's pricy and I still think you have to send them a core return. But haven't heard any negative feedback from those that have them installed.

In your case if your 2wd is lightly used maybe you can get away with a refurbished unit.

Keep us posted with which route you take.

 

I replaced the box in Ka'Bluey years ago. I've heard horror stories about trying to put new seals in. I lucked out and found a good box in a local salvage yard.

 

I've done both. Seals and replacement. The f350 just got a auto parts generic rebuilt unit, and so did the Jeep. I did replace seals on the jeep once, wasn't too bad but still had trouble with it. If you have the budget, I'd say replace it.

As for the Redhead units. I've heard a lot of good things about them, and nothing negative that I can recall.

 

Thanks. I'm going to check out these redhead units. I think I can manage the budget here. Seems like everytime I ever try doing something on the cheap it costs me double in money and time anyway . I'll provide an update soon.

 

I did a redhead on 2001 after doing a rebuild on a 99 i'll do the redhead again if i have to do another one

 

That Redhead is supposed to be a super product. I'm just cheap

 

X2 here. For all that i plan to use my old truck for, I have way more money in it than it's worth. Maybe when I get to drive it again, I'll change my mind... It's only been sitting in the shop since 2013...

 

I'm in that same boat Josh. Even before we moved from Missouri, Ka'Bluey sat in the driveway way more than he was on the road. Truthfully, I haven't put 3k on that trunk in any year that I've owned him.
I am planning on taking him to our monthly dinner tomorrow.

 

He guys - been a bit since I posted back on the regional page. I wanted to give an update on this.

I ended up and bought the redhead unit and after sitting in the garage for a month I finally got some time to install it.

All in all I replaced - Gearbox, Pump, and Hoses. It has made a world of difference - the steering is much more responsive and "tight". I'm not moving the steering wheel continuously to keep her straight. I think it was well worth the money, it's never had that great of steering. I think that was the original gearbox that I replaced.

Shipping wasn't cheap either - I think it was $50 for the new box and $50 more to return the core... If she lasts like this for another 40 years though, I'm alright with it...

 

..................

 

Thanks for update. Glad it went on nice and smoothly for you.

 

Glad you are happy with the redhead.

I went back with stock when I got my steering updated.

 

I went with a Redhead steering box on my '78 F250 & loved it since.

 

When Ka'Bluey's gear box went out years ago, I lucked out and found a good, used one. But that Redhead brand is supposed to be a fantastic box.